Midsummer at Eyre Hall: Book Three Eyre Hall Trilogy Read Free Page B

a messenger with the
licence.”
    “He probably wants to make sure it
arrives safely.”
    “Michael, it will be the first day we’re
not together since I found you in that awful dungeon in Jamaica.”
    He pulled me closer, crushing me against
his chest, and kissing my hair. “I’ll be back in a few hours.”
    “I’m worried, Michael.”
    “Worried about what, my love?”
    “I’m worried about not seeing you
again.”
    He laughed and shook his head. “Jane,
we’ll be married in twenty days, and nothing will come between us ever again.
On the twenty-fourth of December, you’ll be Mrs. Kirkpatrick.” He kissed me so
passionately I thought I’d be able to persuade him to stay, but he broke the
kiss and pulled away. “I must go.”
    “Don’t go today. Let’s both go tomorrow.
I’ll go with you.”
    “The archbishop specifically asked me to
go today, on my own.”
    “Why on your own? What’s he scheming?”
    “I have no idea. Perhaps he has a
surprise present for you?”
    “He said he was against the marriage,
when we asked him for a special licence just a few weeks ago.”
    “He didn’t say he was against the
marriage. He asked us if we were sure and suggested we wait until the spring.”
    “I could tell he wasn’t pleased with our
decision.”
    Michael sighed. “He’s obviously changed
his mind.”
    “Don’t you remember how he wouldn’t even
speak to you when we first arrived? He ignored you until I told him he would
not be welcome at Eyre Hall if he couldn’t find it in his heart to treat you as
my betrothed, and suddenly he behaves as if you’re his best friend.”
    Michael opened the closet, brought my
shawl, and wrapped it around my shoulders. “You’ll catch cold, my love.” Then
he moved back to the fireplace, kindling the fire and placing more logs. “That
should keep you warm for a few hours. Stay in bed and read; you have Mr.
Dickens’ Christmas edition of All The Year Round to look forward to.
I’ll tell Beth to bring up your breakfast. Stay in bed until lunchtime.” 
    He was standing by the door ready to
leave, and I could tell he was just trying to distract me from my dark
thoughts, but it wasn’t working. I was still uneasy.
    “Why is the archbishop so keen to see
you on your own?”
    Michael threw his arms in the air. “He’s
a clever man. He’s realised our marriage is inevitable and I suppose he’s
decided he doesn’t want me as an enemy once we’re married.”
    “I don’t trust him, Michael.”
    “You worry too much. He’s probably
decided it’s in his interest to be on our side.”
    “Let me go with you.”
    He smiled and came back to my side, and
I was awarded another lingering kiss. When he tried to move away again, I held
his hand. “I’m not sure I even deserve to be so happy, Michael. I cannot
believe we’ve come this far. I’m afraid something will happen and spoil
everything.”
    He chuckled and shook his head. “I don’t
trust the archbishop either, but do you think he’ll behave like a pirate and kidnap
me?”  
    “Don’t you dare mock me, Michael.” I
dropped his hand and pushed him away. “Go. Do whatever you want. I don’t care
what you do.”
    He stood up and sighed. “I never
imagined our first disagreement would be about my trip to procure our wedding
licence.”
    “I’ll be alone all day…”
    “You’ll be with Helen.”
    “Helen’s been invited to spend Sunday
with Mr. Jackson’s granddaughters.”
    “Really? You didn’t tell me.”
    “I forgot.”
    “Tell her to stay. I’m sure she won’t
mind.”
    “No, she doesn’t often get the chance to
play with children her age. I don’t want to spoil her Sunday.”
    “And Annette?”
    “Annette is spending the weekend at Ferndean
with Mrs. Carter.”
    “How is Harry’s mother?”
     “She’s worse, I’m afraid. Annette offered
to look after her while Harry’s at the hospital.”
    “That’s a pity. Well, the servants will
look after you if you need